43.121.120 - Community-based early parenting skills programs -- Funding.

Community-based early parenting skills programs — Funding.

(1) In order to increase the knowledge of early parenting skills of parents in Washington state, voluntary community based programs on early parenting skills shall be established. The council shall fund, within available funds, and monitor community-based early parenting skills programs in at least three geographically balanced areas around the state. Successful programs which the council and the national center on child abuse and neglect have funded or currently fund, may be used as models for the projects.

     (2) The early parenting education program shall be designed to serve families with children ranging from infants through three years old and also to serve expectant parents. The projects may include the following:

     (a) Education for parents about the physical, mental, and emotional development of children;

     (b) Programs to enhance the skills of parents in providing for learning and development of their children;

     (c) Shared learning experiences for children and parents;

     (d) Activities designed to screen for children's physical, mental, emotional, or behavioral problems that may cause learning problems;

     (e) Resources for educational materials which may be borrowed for home use;

     (f) Information on related community resources;

     (g) Group support which may include counseling for parents under stress;

     (h) Emphasis to encourage participation by fathers; or

     (i) Other programs or activities consistent with this chapter.

     (3) The programs shall be reviewed periodically to provide that the instruction and materials are not racially, culturally, or sexually biased.

     (4) The services provided by the projects shall be coordinated with schools and social services provided in the community to avoid duplication of services.

     (5) A sliding fee scale shall be utilized at the discretion of the council.

[1988 c 278 § 2.]